Issues in Aging Flashcards
Average life expectancy for a female in the US
80.8
Average life expectancy for a male in the US
75.7
Key organ systems most vulnerable to disease in the elderly
cardiovascular
musculoskeletal
renal
neuro
In an older adult, the system associated with a symptom is MORE or LESS likely to be the source of that symptom.
LESS likely
for example, confusion in an elder could be caused by a UTI
Danger signs in the older person - may need additional support
sudden weight loss burn, injury peculiar behavior medication errors car accidents general forgetfulness
Three categories of ADLs
Advanced ADLs - volunteering, social
Instrumental ADLs - cooking, medication, finances
Basic ADLs - dressing, eating, ambulating
What is normal albumin level?
What does less indicate?
3.5 - 5 g/dL
indicates protein malnutrition
What is the earliest lab value indicative of protein malnutrition?
prealbumin
What is one complication of protein deficiency?
impaired healing
also edema
Elder losing how much weight in one month is a concern?
5 lbs or more
Albumin - normal range
3.5 - 5 g/dL
Prealbumin - normal range
16 - 35 mg/dL
Transferrin
> 200 mg/dL
Total lymphocyte count
1200 - 1800 cells/mm3
Normal body temperature in an elder is:
1-2 degrees F below that of younger adults
